Dynamic memory allocation between inbound and outbound buffers in a protocol handler

Abstract

An apparatus and method for dynamically allocating memory between inbound and outbound paths of a networking protocol handler so as to optimize the ratio of a given amount of memory between the inbound and outbound buffers is presented. Dedicated but sharable buffer memory is provided for both the inbound and outbound processors of a computer network. Buffer memory is managed so as to dynamically alter what portion of memory is used to receive and store incoming data packets or to transmit outgoing data packets. Use of the present invention reduces throttling of data rate transmissions and other memory access bottlenecks associated with conventional fixed-memory network systems.

1. A method of receiving and transmitting data packets, the method comprising the steps of:
 receiving data packets in an inbound memory buffer; 
 transmitting data packets with an outbound memory buffer,the outbound memory buffer separate from the inbound memory buffer; and 
 dynamically allocating memory from the inbound memory buffer for use by the outbound memory buffer or the outbound memory buffer for use by the inbound memory buffer. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of dynamically allocating comprises the steps of:
 determining that the inbound memory buffer requires additional memory; and 
 dynamically allocating memory from the outbound memory buffer for use by the inbound memory buffer. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of dynamically allocating comprises the steps of:
 determining that the outbound memory buffer requires additional memory; and 
 dynamically allocating memory from the inbound memory buffer for use by the outbound memory buffer. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving and transmitting occur simultaneously. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the receiving data packets in an inbound memory buffer comprises receiving data packets from an inbound FIFO; and 
 the transmitting data packets with an outbound memory buffer comprises transmitting data packets to an outbound FIFO.